In 2006, the “Steer Clear” law went in to effect in Pennsylvania. This little known addition to the PA Motor Vehicle Code is intended to prevent injuries and save lives of people at scenes of emergencies, disabled vehicles or traffic stops. The official statue reads:

(a) GENERAL RULE.-When approaching or passing an emergency response area, a person, unless otherwise directed by an emergency service responder, shall:
(1) pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency response area, if possible; or
(2) if passing in a nonadjacent lane is impossible, illegal or unsafe, pass the emergency response area at a careful and prudent reduced speed reasonable for safely passing the emergency response area.
(b) PENALTY.-Any person violating subsection (a) commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not more than $250.
(b.1) SUSPENSION OF OPERATING PRIVILEGE.-The department shall suspend the operating privilege of any person for 90 days upon receiving a certified record of the driver’s conviction, adjudication of delinquency or admission into a preadjudication program for a violation of subsection (a), if the certified conviction indicates the violation resulted in serious injury to another person. The license shall be surrendered in accordance with section 1540 (relating to surrender of license).
(c) MARKING.-An emergency response area shall be clearly marked with road flares, caution signs or any other traffic-control device which law enforcement officials may have at their immediate disposal or visual signals on vehicles meeting the requirements of subchapter D of Chapter 45 (relating to equipment of authorized and

What does this mean to you?

As a driver approaches an officer conducting a traffic stop or a disabled vehicle, they must make an attempt to move over providing a “cushion” lane between their vehicle and the stopped vehicle. If it is not practical to move over a lane, they must significantly reduce their speed. This law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing and where road crews or emergency personnel have lit flares, posted signs or otherwise tried to warn motorists. In cases where the violation is not witnessed by police, road workers and other emergency responders can report violations and officers can issue citations based on these reports.

It is everyone’s responsibility to help ensure our streets are safe. Take safety seriously, move over and slow down!